Burn Bans
February 7 – The East Texas Timberland Owners' Association will hold a prescribed burn on the 18th in Atlanta to be followed by a campfire and discussion, weather pending. A retired Texas Forest Service official will talk about the logistics of small landowners conducting a prescribed burn.
East Texas Timberland Owners' Association, February 18, 2010
Drought
Monthly Change in Drought Monitor Classification
February 3 – Officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service say the 2009 drought was very detrimental to the health of whooping cranes along the coastline of Texas. Last year 23 cranes died, the deadliest winter on record for the birds and officials now worry that the whooping crane flock might dwindle if nothing is done.
Victoria Advocate, J. J. Velasquez, February 4, 2010.
February 9 – A spokesman for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) says the overall drought in Central Texas has ended with the abundance of rainfall lately. However, the hydrological part of drought is still ongoing as Lake Buchanan is still about 8 feet below its average elevation for this time of the year.
YNN Austin
February 18 – According to the Texas State Climatologist, the Texas Drought is officially over. Climatologists say that the latest U.S. Drought Monitor indicates no signs of drought in the state of Texas, with a major factor helping to end the drought being the El Nino that has brought wetter than normal weather to the state this winter.
Texas A&M, February 18, 2010
February 19 – Over 20 inches of rain has fallen in Comal County the past six months, officially bringing the area out of the drought. Officials say that spring flows have helped the water line at Canyon Lake reached normal levels for the first time since 2008, lifting water restrictions that were placed on residents.
Herald Zeitung (New Braunfels)
February 19 – The drought is over and the rain continues, particularly in the formerly drought-ravaged Coastal Bend area. Just as the United States Drought Monitor declared the Texas drought to be over, more than an inch of rain was recorded at the Corpus Christi International Airport.
Corpus Christi Times Caller, February 19, 2010
Fires
February 2 – For the first time in five years, pastures in the Texas Panhandle are not tinderboxes for spring fires. Autumn and early winter precipitation has kept dry pastures from showing up, even after the severe 2009 drought.
Abilene Reporter-News, February 2, 2010
February 5 – The wildfire threat is still low in Texas because of El Nino and all the recent rains, a spokesperson from the Texas Forest Service said. The rain and snow across the state for the past several months kept the soil moisture levels high and all of Texas out of a major fire threat.
KWES (Midland), February 5, 2010
February 9 – With the amount of rain West Texas has received in autumn and early winter, authorities are having a difficult time predicting the magnitude of the upcoming 2010 wildfire season. The hope is for a wet and mild summer as hot and dry conditions would be especially dangerous since the wet winter has provided additional growth to tall grasses.
Midland Reporter-Telegram, Audrie Palmer, February 9, 2010
February 10 – The large amount of snow on the ground in the Amarillo area has significantly decreased fire risk and led to one of the lowest risk fire seasons since the 1800s. The current stretch of a snow covered ground, 14 days, is only the third time since the middle of the 19th century that this much snow has been on the ground without melting.
KWES (Midland), Kristen Guilfoos, February 10, 2010
Agricultural Impacts
February 1 – Although some residents in the Panhandle are glad the snow is over, farmers have been praying for it all winter since snow will help them conserve water and reduce irrigation of water. The recent moisture is exactly the start farmers need to produce a strong spring crop.
KFDA (Amarillo), Ryan Cody, February 1, 2010
February 3 – A recent blizzard that brought 10 to 12 inches of snow to the Texas Panhandle is saving the wheat crop after it translated to about 2 inches of moisture. Although the snowy weather helped the wheat crop, ranchers indicate that the recent wet and cold weather stressed livestock.
Texas A&M, Robert Burns, February 3, 2010
February 5 – According to the National Weather Service, in seven days, several counties in the Panhandle have received 2-3 inches of precipitation. Producers in the area are very happy with the moisture since it is setting up the soil for great spring crops.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Alyssa Dizon, February 5, 2010
February 17 – In Central Texas, the recent snow has over saturated soils making it difficult for farmers to do field work or plant row crops. Row crop planting was also delayed in the Coastal Bend area due to the rainy and cool weather. Conversely, in Far West Texas, recent rains have helped to finish up the pecan harvest.
Dallas Morning News
February 18 – Recent rains all over Texas have put field work almost to a stop, including in the Gulf Coast, where it has been too wet for four months and no work on fertilization or land preparation can be done. Farmers around the state are worried that if the rains continue, work will be impossible during the critical planting time and crops will be further delayed.
Texas A&M, Robert Burns, February 19, 2010
February 23 – Producers in Central Texas are still unable to work fields because of snow, rains, and freezing precipitation that have also taken a toll on livestock. Producers in the Coastal Bend were able to start preparing grounds for planting and row-cropping because of the dry and warm weather. Warmer temperatures in West Central Texas are expected to speed up the growth of small grains.
Dallas Morning News
February 25 – Farmers and ranchers around the state of Texas almost universally agree that this past winter is the wettest winter many of them can remember. The Texas AgriLife Extension agent in Sherman County believes that this is the wettest winter he has seen in 20 to 25 years. Recent snow storms in the Panhandle area have covered up wheat pastures with snow and made tending to livestock difficult.
Texas A&M, Robert Burns, February 25, 2010
February 26 – Back-to-back winter storms could possibly set up farmers for a stellar year in 2010. After several years of dry winters and late freezes, a strong wheat crop can be expected this spring.
The Graham Leader
February 28 – Thanks to warmer weather field work in the South Plains was possible, and livestock are in good condition with little to no supplemental feeding. Stock water tanks in Central Texas are full in the area but cold rains and freezing precipitation continue to take a toll of cattle. Recent sunshine and winds in the Rolling Plains have helped dry out fields but they are still too wet to access.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, February 28, 2010
Inclement Weather
Cold/Winter Weather
February 1 – In the Panhandle, recent snow storms have not just caused problems for drivers and residents but also brought problems to the state itself. The Texas Department of Transportation announced that the cleanup could cost the state up to seven figures, taking into account manpower and equipment costs.
KVII (Amarillo), February 1, 2010
February 2 – The death of an 89 year-old San Angelo women has been ruled to be hypothermia after she was found on a sidewalk near the assisted living facility where she was living. The National Weather Service reported 1.73 inches of rain and a trace of snow, with the low for the night bottoming out at 33 degrees.
San Angelo Standard Times, Matthew Waller, February 2, 2010
February 4 – In Amarillo most people dread the winter weather and icy roads, but not the auto repair business. A local collision repair shop owner says the icy roads have helped his business as Potter County has seen 161 wrecks, and on average, each wreck involves two to three cars.
KVII (Amarillo), Meredith Keller, February 4, 2010
February 11 – A winter storm produced snow that covered the North Texas landscape, and even prompted grown men at the Farmer's Market in Dallas to throw snowballs at each other. Long-time residents can't remember seeing this much snow in North Texas for quite some time.
KERA (Dallas), B. J. Austin, February 11, 2010
February 12 – The numbers are in and the new record for snow in the Dallas/Fort Worth is 11.2 inches. The new record breaks the old record of 7.8 inches set back on January 15, 1964. The area has seen a total of 14.4 inches of snow so far this winter, making it the third snowiest winter in North Texas recorded history.
Plano Star-Couirer, Frank Heinz, February 12, 2010
February 16 – Officials in the Metroplex area fear that the recent record breaking snow storm might have caused as much as $25 million in damage, not including the cost of trees that were lost. More than 1,321 claims have already been filed with insurance agencies for damages to homes, personal property, and businesses.
Star-Telegram (Fort Worth), Yamil Berard, February 16, 2010
February 18 – Garcia's Tire and Detail Shop was hit very hard during the recent Texas snowstorm as a solid foot of snow covered the stores awning, causing the roof to come cave in. The snow also caused the roof on all five service bays to collapse, though luckily no one was hurt.
Azle News
February 23 – Snow again struck Texas, but this time it was Central Texas where as much as three inches of snow fell in areas of Williamson County. Up to 2 inches of snow fell in the Hill Country and snow also fell in Austin for the first time since December 9, 2008.
Austin American-Statesman, Asher Price, February 23, 2010
February 23 – The latest snow fall in Midland has landed a spot on the top ten snowfall list. The National Weather Service office in Midland recorded 4.5 inches of snow, which is the ninth largest snowfall on record and forced the closure of many school and several traffic accidents.
Midland Reporter-Telegram, Kathleen Thurber, February 23, 2010
February 24 – In the most recent winter storm, Palestine reported more than five inches of snow while Corsicana recorded 3.5 inches. The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport recorded just a trace of snow, just a little more than a week after receiving nearly a foot of snow.
Dallas Morning News, Michael Young, February 24, 2010
February 25 – The chief meteorologist for WBAP NewsTalk 820 says the recent winter storm in North Texas was the heaviest single snowfall event it has ever seen, causing at least $25 million in damage. Nearly a foot of snow was recorded at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and 9 inches was recorded over much of Northern Denton County.
The Cross Timbers Gazette, Brad Barton, February 26, 2010
Flooding/Rainfall
February 2 – Heavy rains over the past few weeks have caused Lake Waco to rise 7 feet above its normal elevation, closing all 11 boat ramps on the lake. The rise of water at this time of the year has provided the marine life with new food sources and is generally beneficial to fish, which is not always the case in other times of the year.
The Lariat (Baylor University), Caty Hirst, February 3, 2010
February 3 – Rain, rain and more rain. The steady rain in San Antonio led to over 40 street closures because of flooding and caused more than 62 accidents. One accident involved a pregnant woman who had to be sent to the hospital with severe head trauma.
San Antonio Express-News
February 3 – A storm that brought wind and rain in El Paso blew several trash cans over in a west-side neighborhood and caused flooding in a northeast-side street. El Paso Water Utilities has two storm water projects scheduled to begin this year that should help relieve flooding in the area.
KFOX (El Paso), February 3, 2010
February 4 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers warn that if the rains continue all four major reservoirs in Central Texas could flood. For example, Lake Belton has risen 9.5 feet and all the boat ramps on the lake are closed.
KWTX (Waco), Paul J. Gately, February 4, 2010
February 5 – Unless the rain stops flooding of the Sabine River will not stop, with the National Weather Service declaring that the river passed its 26-foot flood stage at the U.S. 271 Bridge near Gladewater. In Longview, the river at Texas 149/322 reached 18.6 feet and minor lowland flooding and boat ramp flooding is expected if the rain does not stop.
Longview News-Journal
February 27 – Residents in Corpus Christi have overwhelmed by the recent rains and have grown tired of the associated flooding problems. Flooding in Nueces County has become common since many of the ditches are clogged, outdated, and unable to handle the increased water amounts with heavy rainfall.
Corpus Christi Caller Times, Jessica Savage, February 27, 2010
Hurricanes/Tropics
February 10 – The city of Galveston is encouraging residents suffering damage to their homes during Hurricane Ike to seek federal assistance from the $104 million Community Development Block Grant program. More than a thousand homeowners have applied for the grant, which the city of Galveston has until September 2011 to spend.
Dallas Morning News
February 17 – Residents who live on a set monthly budget are finding it hard to get their homes repaired after Hurricane Ike. Even with a damaged roof and water, one Liberty County family was denied FEMA assistance to help repair their home that was damaged by the Hurricane. Fortunately, a new grant by the Liberty County Long Term Recovery Committee will help them repair their home.
The Cleveland Advocate, Paul Graham, February 18, 2010
Severe Weather
February 6 – The Fort Worth branch of the National Weather Service (NWS) will host a severe weather preparedness program in Hillsboro on the 8th. Those attending the 2-hour presentation will focus on the formation of severe thunderstorms, tornado formation, and operating as a storm spotter for the NWS.
KHBR (Hillsboro), February 6, 2010
February 10 – A cold front brought strong winds, lightning, heavy rain, and even a tornado warning to Montgomery County, though no confirmed tornadoes were reported.
Montgomery County News, February 9, 2010
February 15 – Weather conditions stopped a dive team from the New Braunfels Fire Department from being able to search for a missing man who was reported missing after he took his boat out on Canyon Lake and did not return home. Officials say that once the weather becomes calmer, the search for the missing man will continue.
Herald Zeitung (New Braunfels)
February 22 – With spring right around the corner, officials from the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are reminding residents to prepare for the spring severe weather season. Officials say residents should be aware of straight-line winds, downburst winds, hail, thunderstorms and tornadoes.
KGBT (Harlingen), February 22, 2010
February 26 – The City of Victoria and Victoria County are officially StormReady, according to the National Weather Service, joining 21 other cities around Texas and becoming the first costal city in Texas to be certified. StormReady is a nationwide program that helps communities develop plans to handle all types of severe weather.
The Victoria Advocate, February 26, 2010
February 27 – The National Weather Service office in Fort Worth and Denton County teamed up to offer free training to severe weather spotters and ham radio operators.
Denton Record-Chronicle
February 28 – Cold, rain, wind and hail are some of the things residents of El Paso dealt with on the last day of the month. The National Weather Service in El Paso registered winds up to 50 mph and hail was reported on the Northeast side of the city.
KFOX (El Paso), February 28, 2010
February 28 – Students in the Texas Tech chapter of the American Meteorological Society hosted a Severe Weather Awareness Day for the Lubbock community. Weather radios were sold at the event and people were taught about how to prepare for a severe weather emergency, with an emphasis on tornadoes.
The Daily Toreado (Texas Tech)
Other Climate Impacts
Academics/Athletics
February 7 – The opening game of the West Texas A&M baseball season was postponed due to inclement weather in Brownwood, where they were scheduled to play a double-header against Howard Payne.
Amarill Globe-News, February 7, 2010
February 11 – A record-setting snowfall in the Dallas area is not what planners on the NBA All-Star game were expecting, other than Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, of course. Workers at the event and Dallas Police were planning on proceeding as normal, though local restaurant owners scaled back their expectations on the level of crowds they would see.
KFAA (Dallas-Forth Worth), Rebecca Lopez, February 11, 2010
February 11 – A news release from the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) read: "DISD is canceling all after school activities, including athletic events, because of the winter conditions in the North Texas area." If buses are not able to operate safely the following day, DISD will cancel classes.
Dallas Morning News
February 15 – This year Denton school children have already missed three days of school because of inclement weather and now school officials say that students will be making up two of the three days. The days missed include January 7th, February 11th and 12th. To make the days up students will attend classes Friday, April 2nd and Monday, May 24th.
The Cross Timbers Gazette, February 15, 2010
February 16 – The snowstorm that left 14.4 inches of snow in Dallas also wreaked havoc in Cherokee County as all five school districts in the county were closed for a snow day The Sheriff's office said that they received about 25 calls during the storm, but had no major injuries to report.
KTLU (Cherokee), Quinten Boyd, February 17, 2010
February 22 – For the second time this season, the Texas Longhorns have had to reschedule a game against Texas Women's University. This time, the rescheduling was because of snow and seems to be about the only thing that can derail the Longhorns after an 11-0 start to the season.
The Daily Texas (University of Texas)
February 22 – The University of Texas at San Antonio softball team's two-game, mid-week series at Texas Tech was postponed due to inclement winter weather.
University of Texas Athletics Communications, February 22, 2010
February 24 – All high school athletic events in Central Texas were put on hold after the area received more than three inches of snow. The University Interscholastic League was required to grant a waiver for teams to add an extra day of play because of the bad weather.
Killeen Daily Herald, Alex Byington, February 24, 2010
February 25 – Even though high school football season is over, the wintry weather across the state is affecting the football off-season. Dallas area schools are finding it hard to have off-season football practice because of all the recent wet and cold weather, with many of the activities being moved indoors.Dallas Morning News, Kyle Whitfield, February 25, 2010
February 25 – For the second time in less than two weeks, Central Texas saw snow, including the KHBR Radio Studios in Hillsboro, where two inches of snow was recorded. The snow caused many schools to close early and delayed the start of classes on the following day.
The Hillsboro Reporter
February 26 – Poor weather in the Panhandle forced the cancellation of the Abilene Christian's Lone Star Conference four-game series against West Texas A&M. The series was canceled because of poor field conditions at the Dilla Villa in Amarillo, the home field of West Texas A&M.
Abilene Reporter-News, February 26, 2010
Animals/Aquatic Life
February 7 – Experts claim that pollution and climate change are the main culprits in the significant decline of the rusty blackbird, which normally visits the Dallas-Fort Worth area during winter. Since 1970, scientists say, the rusty blackbird population has decreased more than 80 percent.
Dallas Morning News, Randy Lee Loftis, February 8, 2010
February 13 – Texas sea turtles are having an extremely difficult time dealing with the abnormally cold weather this winter. Of the 425 sea turtles the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have found washed ashore, more than two-thirds were dead.
KENS (San Antonio), February 13, 2010
Climate/Environment
February 7 – According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about half of the drinking water in Dallas County comes from a water source not protected by the Clean Water Restoration Act. The EPA measure requires water sources to be protected from polluted storm water.
Dallas Morning News
February 9 – The rolling prairies and woodlands of the Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands will be the front line of a major ecological study sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Final approval of the proposed project is needed by the NSF board before moving to Congress.
Dallas Morning News, Steve Campbell, February 9, 2010
February 10 – The recent cold and wintry weather across Texas and most of the United States has fueled skeptics of climate change. An expert says that globally, "heat waves, drought, heavy rainfall, and yes, even snowstorms and blizzards, are getting more and more frequent."
Abilene Reporter-News, Brian Bethel, February 10, 2010
February 14 – The role of environmental changes in agriculture has come to the forefront of political campaigns in Texas, particularly as farmers and ranchers have borne the brunt of changes in the climate. Increased water conservation, bio-energy production, desalinization, and clean air requirements are some of the environmental platforms candidates are using in their campaigns.
Dallas Morning News, Jessica Meyers, February 14, 2010
Construction/Repairs
February 1 – The North Dallas Tollway took a beating during a recent wet winter storm. A portion of the retaining wall on the George Bush Turnpike near Kelly Boulevard shifted causing the road to bend and break. North Texas Tollway Authorities say that repairs will cost about $500,000 and that motorists should expect delays while crews repair the road.
KRLD (Dallas-Fort Worth), Omar Villafranca, February 1, 2010
February 2 – The ice storm that pounded East Texas and Southwest Oklahoma left thousands without power. Western Farmers Electric Cooperative said that as ice melted from the power lines, it caused them to bump and sway into other lines with caused electrical trips. They are working hard to repair the 122 downed power lines and damaged high voltage transmission structures.
Times Record News (Wichita Falls), Lynn Walker, February 2, 2010
February 8 – The winter weather in North Texas has significantly delayed millions of dollars worth of construction projects. Most builders have reported their projects to be from 30-90 days behind schedule and must wait through the rain, snow, and a drying-out period to continue.
KRLD (Dallas-Fort Worth), Randy McIlwain, February 8, 2010
February 12 – Nearly 10 inches of snow hit the Dallas/ Fort Worth in what is being called the Great Snowstorm of 2010. School districts around North Texas were shut down because of road conditions and snow piled on tree branches and power lines, leaving about 70,000 electric customers without power.
Dallas Morning News, Michael Young, Avi Selk and Jon Nielsen, February 12, 2010
February 13 – Washington County is set to discuss a grant program for emergency generators that are part of a Texas Department of Rural Affairs initiative.
Brenham Banner Press
February 14 – Oncor is feverishly working to restore power for thousands that lost power in the Dallas-Fort Worth area due to broken power lines. As of late on the 14th, fewer than 25,000 people were without power, including a few who refused to allow crews to prune trees that would allow for the restoration of electricity.
Dallas Morning News, Diane Jennings and Holly Hacker, February 15, 2010
February 15 – For more than five days, some residents in North Texas have been without power after the record snowstorm that hit the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Oncor Electric Delivery officials say they have been working hard to restore power to all residents but there are still isolated areas that do not have power. Oncor also warns that power outages may continue as weak tree limbs continue to fall in days to come.
WFAA (Dallas-Fort Worth), Janet St. James, February 15, 2010
February 20 – A spokesperson for National Waste Management says that crews have been working seven days a week trying to clean up fallen trees and limbs in the Dallas area that were downed by a recent winter storm.
KDAF (Dallas-Fort Worth), February 20, 2010
February 26 – The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show is building a home for a Mineola family in East Texas and hopes the weather will cooperate. Aside from a chance of rain on March 1st, the forecast appears to be fairly dry with mild temperatures.
KLTV (Tyler), Grant Dade, February 26, 2010
Economics
February 5 – Residents of Hearne are outraged at the cost of their electricity, which has soared in recent months due to cold weather. City officials claim the costs are not due to newly installed smart meters, which electronically transmit usage data, though residents claim the meters have, in some cases, more than doubled their monthly bill. One family received a $351 bill for their son's home, saying he has been overseas since December 14th and all that was running was a refrigerator and freezer.
KBTX (Bryan-College Station)
February 12 – As temperatures around the state decrease utility bills increase. In Parker County residents are taken a back as their electric bill seems higher than normal. Some residents in North Texas have been seeing bills that have doubled in recent months. Many residents are concerned that the bills are too high since many residents have been hit with power outages during the record snow events.
The Star-Telegram (Fort Worth)
February 16 – Brennan's restaurant will re-open after being closed for renovations needed after a major fire destroyed most of the restaurant during Hurricane Ike. The Texas Creole restaurant has been open for 43 years and is a favorite of many Houston residents.
KTRK (Houston), February 16, 2010
February 19 – Not only has the recent winter storms left holes in North Texas roads, it has also left a huge hole in the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) winter budget as the unusually cold and snowy winter has put TxDOT well over their budget.
KRLD (Dallas-Fort Worth)
Homes/Gardening/Trees
February 12 – While most Dallas residents are happy to see all the snow that has fallen recently, one homeowner says that excessive snow snapped her 50 year-old tree in half. The weight of all the snow was too much for the tree branches to handle, and many other branches in the area are also buckling under the weight of the snow.
KRLD (Dallas-Fort Worth), Kim Fischer, February 13, 2010
February 16 – The City of Plano is helping residents whose trees were snapped by the massive amounts of snow that fell over the area during a recent storm. City officials say that the trash collectors will collect the trees during normal collection days and ask that trees are put in an orderly pile and that leaves, clippings, and twigs are put in city-approved biodegradable bags.
Dallas Morning News, Bruce Tomaso, February 16, 2010
February 18 – A gardening expert recommends that those planting evergreens in the Dallas area choose the Eastern red cedar tree that has blue berries during the autumn. Also, winter is the best time of year for those looking to plant large trees.
Dallas Morning News, Howard Garrett, February 18, 2010
February 19 – Dallas city workers are working overtime to try and remove all the fallen trees that have hit the ground after this winters recent snow storm. Officials are asking residents of Dallas and surrounding area to be patient as clean up in some areas might take until the end of April.
WFAA (Dallas-Fort Worth), David Schechter, February 19, 2010
February 21 – Surveyors declared a giant live oak tree in current-day Mills County as the geographical center of Texas more than 140 years ago, only to have it shifted 10 miles to the west at a later date. However, the tree still holds great meaning to the town of Center City, even after it was struck by lightning more than a decade ago and sits as a 15-foot trunk.
Dallas Morning News
February 24 – Although the rain and winter weather have had many negative impacts on the state of Texas, the above normal cold season precipitation should make for excellent wildflower season. Bluebonnets should also have a great growing season because of all the wet weather, according to Texas botanists.
University of Texas, February 24, 2010
February 27 – Central Texas trees have been hit hard this winter, with tropical trees being hit the hardest. According to meteorologists, tropical plants being damaged and even killed by the winter weather is not a surprise, since this is the coldest winter in more than 25 years.
Temple Daily Telegram
February 28 – Dandelions, clovers, thistles and other unusual species of weeds have been showing up in lawns all around South Texas because of the recent rain and snow. Also, with cooler temperatures and increased rain amounts, lawns will be in need of fertilization because nitrogen was lost in the soil profile over the past 18 months.
Kingsville Record and Bishop News, John Ford, February 28, 2010
Hunting/Fishing
February 6 – Texas hunters are concerned about the number of quail and the vast majority would be in favor of reducing the bag limit from 15, the current limit, to 12. The quail population suffers in drought and needs at least two years of non-drought conditions to have a meaningful regeneration of their numbers.
Austin American-Statesman, Mike Leggett, February 6, 2010
February 13 – The lingering cold in Texas requires that fishermen change their tactics to lure a sluggish bass population. Largemouth bass are less active and eat much less during cold periods and tend to look for their meals in anomalously warm waters near manmade objects that heat up quicker than the waters.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Will Leschper, February 14, 2010
February 20 – The drought of last summer caused a poor quail hunting season this past fall, but research conducted by the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute should be encouraging to hunters. More than 2,000 quail were tracked through telemetry and it was reported that bird dogs missed more than 40 percent of the quail tracked.
Dallas Morning News, Ray Sasser, February 20, 2010
February 27 – March 1st is the traditional start of the big bass season in Texas and the upcoming season looks extremely promising. Because of the unusually cold water, the likes of which most living bass have never seen, the depth of the water in which the bass inhabit has been reduced significantly from normal levels.
Dallas Morning News, Ray Sasser, February 28, 2010
Recreation/Leisure
February 6 – The first of two races in the Amarillo "Cold as Ice" 10K benefits the Bridge children's advocacy center, which helps children suffering through horrific circumstances. Snow on the ground and chilly temperatures aided in making the event live up to its name.
KVII (Amarillo), Billy Loftin, February 6, 2010
February 8 – Some brave residents in Weatherford are embracing the cold weather and plan on participating in the Ice Bowl disc golf tournament on the 20th. The event is sponsored by the Weatherford Disc Golf Club and plans on donating the money raised to charity.
The Star-Telegram (Fort Worth)
February 14 – Although it is common for many to gain weight during the cold weather months, following a few simple tips can help fight the battle of the bulge. Wearing several layers of clothes, increasing indoor strength training, and eating fruits or vegetables can help you stay healthy during winter.
The Plainview Herald, Debra Pugh, February 14, 2010
February 21 – Gusty winds in the El Paso area were strong enough to lift a jumping balloon 30 feet in the area while children were still inside. Luckily, there were no serious injuries as three children were treated for cuts and scrapes and the mother of the child celebrating his birthday had her money refunded.
KFOX (El Paso), February 21, 2010
February 28 – The abundance of snow that has been dumped on North Texas over the past month has sparked the creativity of many Texans that were given a rare opportunity to build snowmen.
The Star-Telegram
Roads/Traffic/Travel
February 1 – Officials in Amarillo say that red light runners have been on the rise as the recent winter storms brought a large amount of ice to the area. Some drivers either could not stop for a red light or did not find it safe to stop while driving on the ice. Police officials say they will look over the tapes to determine if stopping would have been more dangerous than running the light on the icy roads.
KWES (Amarillo), February 1, 2010
February 4 – With recent storms pounding Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation's Lubbock District has been left with the major chore of clearing more than 12,000 miles of roads. The Lubbock district engineer says that the clearing of roads is prioritized depending on conditions of the roads, with high volume roads such as highways and intestates get cleared first.
The Plainview Herald, February 4, 2010
February 4 – The rains have finally left the Borderland, but the rain left muddy conditions and potholes that are taking many drivers by surprise. Crews in El Paso have been working overnight to try and fill has many potholes as possible. One El Paso motorist claims that a pothole damaged his car, causing nearly $500 in damage.
KFOX (El Paso), February 4, 2010
February 8 – Unusually wet weather has caused water to seep to the lower soil levels and cause roadway failures according to Texas Department of Transportation officials. The recent weather has been blamed for 50 roadside areas experiencing erosion in the soils, which can lead to the collapse of the roads.
WFAA (Dallas-Fort Worth), Gary Reaves, February 9, 2010
February 9 – A spokesman for the Fort Worth office of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) were out starting at midnight to treat the freezing of wet roadways. There is anticipation of TxDOT crews getting a heavy workload with a snowstorm expected to hit later in the week.
The Star-Telegram (Fort Worth), Bill Miller, February 9, 2010
February 11 – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was confident of their preparation to handle large amounts of snow and ice expected to accumulate on roadways. Although emergency services will be available, the Sherman Police and Fire Departments think it's best for residents to avoid driving until the bad weather passed.
KXII (Sherman), Josh Stevenson, February 11, 2010
February 13 – Snow is a fairly rare event in the town of Madisonville, and snow that fell overnight turned into ice on the roadways for the morning commute. Multiple wrecks along I-45 slowed traffic to a crawl and two vehicles were rescued from creeks without injuries reported.
Montgomery County News, February 12, 2010
February 14 – Temperatures in North Texas dropped down to the freezing mark overnight, causing snow that was earlier melted to freeze on the roadways. A woman was injured after her car flipped over on Highway 67 in Dallas, and a stretch of Highway 67 was closed in Duncanville due to icy roads.
WFAA (Dallas-Fort Worth), February 14, 2010
February 15 – Just because most of the snow in North Texas is gone does not mean the roadway problems are gone as Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) workers now have to fill in all the potholes left by the wintry weather. Officials from TxDOT say that cold, wet weather promotes potholes and once road dry out their main priority will be to fill the holes in.
The Star-Telegram(Fort Worth)
February 17 – Royse City did not escape the havoc that the recent winter storm brought to Texas as the snowfall caused one wreck that resulted in multiple injuries. Another wreck caused damage to the Hunt County Jail, when a Sheriff's vehicle hit the north side of the jail.
Royse City Herald-Banner, Brad Kellar, February 17, 2010
February 17 – There are still thousands of potholes plaguing all parts of the Dallas area and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is trying to repair the holes as fast as possible. However, the constant wet weather, in addition to TxDOT trying to minimize the inconvenience to drivers, has left at least 100 potholes on I-35E alone.
Pegasus News (Dallas-Fort Worth), February 17, 2010
February 21 – As the recent bouts of winter weather have caused numerous delays and cancellations to flights in Texas, it is important to know what your options are when this happens. Many airlines will give you a full refund in the event of a weather-related cancellation while others will give you the option of rescheduling free of charge.
Dallas Morning News, Tom Parsons, February 22, 2010
February 22 – A 20-foot deep sinkhole had closed off parts of Temple at a bridge over Bird Creek, near the Wildflower Gold Course. Temple officials think the sinkhole was caused by rain, erosion, and creek waters. Texas Department of Transportation engineers will be called in to fix the sinkhole.
Dallas Morning News
February 23 – In El Paso, snow caused a traffic accident where a woman died after she was struck by a Jeep that could not stop because of slick roads. The victim was out of her car because she was helping someone out of the wreckage of another accident.
KWTX (Dallas), February 23, 2010
February 24 – The roads in the Dallas/Fort Worth area are not the only roads seeing pothole problems because of all the winter weather as the city of Austin is suffering from a pothole problem. According to Austin city officials, the downtown area is suffering the most, with bicyclists also finding the roadways to be dangerous.
KVUE (Austin), February 24, 2010
